We are thrilled to begin working with the oldest bodega in all Rioja, a winery whose traditionally styled wines may not be well known (yet) but surely will become so after people taste how good they are. Based in the Rioja Alta town of Abalos, Bodegas de la Real Divisa (whose wines sell under the name Marques de Legarda) is not only the oldest bodega in all of Rioja, with a history of vine growing stretching back to the 14th century, but to our knowledge one of the oldest wineries in the world. This important and historical bodega produces wine from their own 30 hectares of vines, primarily Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo, all located in Abalos. Aged for 37 months primarily in used American oak, with about a 30% portion of used French oak, this is a classic, traditionally styled Gran Reserva from a spectacular vintage. Intense aromas of concentrated red fruit confit leads to a palate with a lovely balance of earthy, sous bois notes and red berries. Balance, elegance and intensity are all there for early enjoyment as well as a long life for those who wish to cellar these.

Product Reviews:

A fantastic wine from a fantastic vintage- this is old school tempranillo with a light, gamey funk and flavors of plum and black pepper. Incredibly elegant, this wine will work great with a wide range of different dishes.

In California, reserve is just another word. In Rioja, it has meaning. The Marques De Legarda Gran Reserva Rioja has indeed been grandly reserved. The reward for their patience is a gentlemanly, elegant, restrained, noble red wine for a very fair price. Cinnamon and I drank our first bottle out of the case that we purchased with pan fried chicken thighs, bacony kale and crusty sourdough bread. Having the Legarda with this Thursday night meal made it a special occasion.

Absolutely stunning Gran Reserva Rioja from a fabulous vintage. Stewed red cherry, hints of earth, warm saddle leather with wonderful acidity and fine, well-integrated tannins. This is a must for lovers of Rioja, but particularly for lovers of older wine. Gorgeous!

This is a classic gran reserva, one that reflects the best of the traditional style as well as the intensity of flavor, structure, and seriousness of one of THE top Rioja vintages in the postmodern era. Building, intense, red fruit confit aromas, lead to a palate brimming with sweet red fruit and sous bois characteristics. Excellent.

One of the most interesting wineries I have ever visited. The winery dates back to 14th century. The 2001 Gran Reserva is classic Rioja through and through with subtle herb spices and nuances, dried cranberries and figs, hint of rosemary and an earthy complex finish. We had this served with the Spanish equivalent of Guinea Hen over rice but you could serve this with any fowl and be a pretty happy camper.

Additional Information:

Varietal:

Tempranillo

- A very important red grape varietal that's native to Northern Spain, grown across the north and central regions of the country. Low in acid and alcohol, with subtle strawberry, leather and tobacco notes, the grape responds well to oak aging and plays particularly well with others. Tempranillo is an important component, when combined with Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura and Graciano, of Rioja, with the best examples coming for the cooler, higher-elevation regions like Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. It is also grown in significant quantities in the Ribera del Duero where it is called Tinto Fino and Penèdes where it is called Ull de Llebre o Ojo de Llebre. Tempranillo hasn't gained a particularly strong foothold outside of Spain, achieving some success under the name Tinto Roriz in Portugal. There it is used as a component of Port and in the table wines of the Ribera del Duero and the Dão.

Country:

Spain

- With more land under vine than any other country in the world, Spain is the great sleeping wine giant. In recent years, a great deal of money and passion has been poured in the burgeoning Spanish wine industry, helping to improve quality among its vast array of wines from sparkling Cava to Sherry to Rioja Gran Reserva. The most important red-wine-producing regions are Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Navarra in the north and Priorat and Penedes in the northeast.